Purpose of Job

The purpose of the job is to support the Mayor’s Office of Cultural Affairs (OCA) in the performance of art conservation duties associated with the Public Art Services division of the OCA. The skill set required is highly specialized and relates to project management of historic preservation projects for both monuments and contemporary public artworks. Atlanta’s Public Art Collection has over 250 public artworks that require constant conservator care to stay in good standing. This job requires adherence to policies and procedures established by the City of Atlanta and the Mayor’s Office of Cultural Affairs.

Supervision Received

Works under general supervision, reporting to the Public Art Program Manager.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities

The following are typical responsibilities for this position and should not be construed as exclusive or all- inclusive. May perform other duties as assigned.

A general summary of essential duties include, but are not limited to:

Directing and coordinating specialized restoration projects; supervise work efforts to maintain and conserve the public art collection; prepare and verify documentation related to the public art collection; catalog and document new objects; direct the development of the annual assessment reports; archiving materials; order supplies and equipment; oversee finances; requires hands on conservation work in the field, operation of heavy equipment and vehicles, practices scientific approach to conservation including use of chemicals and testing materials, communicate with city officials and the public on the Public Art Collection; provide technical advice on the design, fabrication and installation of public art; develop and negotiate scope of work, RFPs and contracts; provide input to design professionals; plan and organize training workshops and community meetings as required; contribute content for website and publications as assigned and perform additional tasks as assigned by the Deputy Director and Executive Director. Has an understanding of the public art conservation profession and knowledge of best practices in the field of public art.

Standard Duties Associated with this Position include:

Work Delegation:

• Specialization and expertise in particular outdoor materials, such as bronze, metals, industrial paints, mural paintings, decorative arts, and architectural materials.
• Recommend preservation procedures, such as best practices in bronze conservation.
• Supervise and work with conservation apprentices, conservation project coordinators, and contractors. Assist the Deputy Director in building the conservation and maintenance staff.
• Estimate cost of restoration and conservation work for an annual cycle. Prioritize the restoration needs of the public art collection.
• Conduct standard chemical and physical tests to ascertain the object's composition, original appearance, need for treatment or restoration, and appropriate preservation method.
• Determine whether objects need preservation and choose the safest and most effective method of repair.
• Notify management team when restoration of public art requires outside experts.
• Clean public art objects, such as graffiti removal from metal, glass, stone, using cleansers, solvents, and soap solutions.
• Enter information about the public art collections into computer databases.
• Repair, restore, and reassemble public artworks, designing and fabricating missing or broken parts, to restore them to their original appearance and prevent deterioration.
• Establish conservation requirements, policies, and procedures for program and staff.
• Conduct research to develop and improve methods of restoring and preserving public artworks.
• Direct and supervise staff in the handling, mounting, care, and storage of art objects.
• Prepare water feature art installations for winterization.
• Classify and assign accession numbers to public artworks and supervise inventory control for the collection.
• Prepare reports on the operation of conservation, documenting the condition of public artworks, treatment options, and assigning the methods of preservation and repair used.
• Archive materials on all art collection related projects. Photograph objects for documentation.
• Publish an annual maintenance assessment report that provide up-to-date statistics, treatment recommendations and maintenance assessments on all artworks maintained in the Collection.
• Set up scaffolds and operate lift equipment to gain access to taller monuments and artworks.
• Create contract specifications for restoration and conservation projects.
• Coordinate weekly schedule for conservation projects with third parties, contractors, and staff.
• Manage and approve payroll for city art conservation staff on a bi-weekly basis.
• Supervise and train interns, apprentices, and public art conservation technicians.
• Manage warehouse and conservation supplies. Maintain stock of critical supplies and consumables.
• Monitor and evaluate contractors and consultants, directing work assignments, hiring contractors according to City procurement policy.
• Plan and supervise scheduled treatment of public artworks in the Public Art Collection to ensure an annual work plan is developed for the ongoing care of the collection.
• Prepare artworks for public events on location and attend events related to the Public Art Collection.
• Lead public art tours and lead educational workshops for the general public.

Communication:

• Deliver oral presentations on the public art collection internally as well as to local organizations and community agencies.

• Answer questions and inquiries from patrons, the public and city officials.

• Furnishes directions and information to patrons, the public and city officials.

• Creates visual and promotional materials that promote the collection and conservation efforts.

Administrative Duties:

• Maintain records on all billing statements, purchase orders, time sheets.

• Orders and maintains supplies and equipment.

• Complete daily, weekly, monthly, and annual reports as required by the Public Art Program Manager.

• Drives and maintains heavy equipment, trailers, heavy lifting and working at height.

• Obtains required permitting and adheres to OSHA and public safety protocol.

• Grant writing.

Fiscal Responsibilities:

• Responsible for the expenditure and accountability of all monies utilized by and for the public art collection management division.

• Supervise payments to artists, independent contractors and vendors.

• Follows city policy in procurement activities.

Interpersonal Relations:

• Presents and maintains a professional demeanor in regard to relations with patrons, employees, the public and governmental officials.

• Deals effectively with all patrons, the public, employees, handles customer service requests.

Work Development:

• Instructs contractors in coordinating activities and planning work.

• Responds and corrects situations that arise in regard to onsite problems.

• Develops proposals, conservation scope of work, and bid documents.

• Assists in the planning and installation of new public art works.

Knowledge of the Job

Candidate that applies for this position should have working knowledge of the field of art fabrication, maintenance and conservation including contemporary trends, practices, and materials. Have extensive knowledge of material applications, appropriate use of chemicals, metal alloys and the uses of such in the development of artwork. Has the ability to perform diagnostic testing for conservation purposes, employs safe use and storage of chemicals. Has ability to estimate treatment costs accurately and work within a limited budget. Has the ability to compile, organize, prepare and maintain an assortment of records, reports and information in an effective manner and according to departmental and/or governmental regulations. Has extensive knowledge of the terminology used in the creation of artwork. Has the ability to communicate effectively with supervisors and other staff members. Has the ability to use independent judgment in routine and non-routine situations. Has the mathematical ability to handle required calculations. Is able to utilize and understand computer applications and techniques as necessary in the completion of daily

assignments. Has the ability to plan, organize and prioritize daily assignments and work activities. Is able to comprehend and apply regulations and procedures of the department; is capable of working under a minimum degree of stress related to duties that require constant attention to detail and tight deadlines. Has extensive knowledge of the procedures and methods as required in the performance of duties.

Master's degree from an accredited college or university in historic preservation, art conservation, urban planning, arts administration, or closely related field and at least three years of experience in the art conservation field, historic preservation project management, 2+ years experience in a related public art or art administration field.